Nearly a decade later, Varun Grover's lyricism continues to define quality Hindi cinema for audiences seeking substance over superficiality.
Our Verdict
Varun Grover represents a rare breed of contemporary lyricists who understand that words carry weight, emotion, and meaning. His body of work—from “Moh Moh ke Dhaage” to “Paani ka Raasta”—proves that meaningful songwriting isn’t obsolete in modern Bollywood. He’s not just writing songs; he’s crafting emotional landscapes for a new generation of thoughtful listeners.
If you like listening to Bollywood music, you must have heard the names of Javed Akhtar and Gulzar. If you are a fan of Bollywood music, then you would understand the meaning of the words of Gulzar. But if you are a true aficionado of Bollywood music and you like listening rather than dancing to songs, then you know that there is another lyricist, who is slowly but surely, making a niche for himself in the industry. So much so that it won’t be long before we start recognising his songs merely by the words in it, if not already. We are talking about Varun Grover.
He is also the new generation’s answer to the “Now-a-days Bollywood songs are becoming meaningless. In our childhood, we had such deep, beautiful lyrics” dialogue by our parents.
Varun Grover, the pen behind “Moh Moh ke Dhaage”, “Jabra Fan”, “Qatl-e-aam”, “Womaniya” and more, is slowly becoming a name to reckon with. Each of these above songs caters to a different set of audience and each of them can make you feel ten different emotions at the same time. Try listening to “Moh Moh ke Dhaage…”(any version) in your headphones with your eyes closed. You will know what I mean. Or “Paani ka Raasta” in Raman Raghav 2.0. The song, while using a lot of metaphors and similes would still make you understand exactly what it wants you to know. That’s the beauty of his lyrics.
But along with having an incredible talent with words, Varun Grover, also has an envious educational qualification. He has graduated in Civil Engineering from IIT, BHU. But he chose his passion over his degree and quit his job to become a full-time writer. Although he worked as a scriptwriter for shows like “The Great Indian Comedy Show” and “Oye, It’s Friday!”, it was when he connected with Anurag Kashyap through the Indie film website, Passion for Cinema, that he got his much-awaited chance and then he went on to write lyrics for many of Kashyap’s films.
In his wiki page, Varun Grover admits to writing lyrics with his head and scripts from his heart and that he loves writing prose more than lyrics. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
Well, if his head can give out such deeply impactful and soul stirring lyrics, we can only imagine what his heart would offer if given a chance.
If you don’t know it already, he also has a National award for Best Lyrics in his pocket and he has also penned the screen play for….hold your breath…..MASAAN!! The most intricately made movie in recent times. That is some serious talent, ladies, and gentlemen!! *slow clap*
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Varun Grover and what makes him different from other Bollywood lyricists?
Varun Grover is a contemporary Hindi cinema lyricist known for poignant, meaningful songwriting that rivals legends like Gulzar. He crafts lyrics using metaphors and similes that convey deep emotions while remaining universally relatable to Indian audiences seeking substance in modern Bollywood music.
What are Varun Grover’s most famous songs?
Some of his celebrated works include “Moh Moh ke Dhaage,” “Jabra Fan,” “Qatl-e-aam,” “Womaniya,” and “Paani ka Raasta” from Raman Raghav 2.0. Each song demonstrates his ability to cater to different audiences while evoking multiple emotions simultaneously through carefully crafted wordplay.
How does Varun Grover’s writing style appeal to modern audiences?
Grover bridges the gap between classical lyrical depth and contemporary sensibilities. His work answers the generational complaint about meaningless modern Bollywood songs by proving that intelligent, poetic lyrics can still resonate with today’s listeners who value substance alongside entertainment.
Which films have featured Varun Grover’s lyrics prominently?
His lyrics have appeared in various Hindi films including Raman Raghav 2.0 and others listed in this review. Each film selection reflects his careful choice of projects that align with his artistic vision and storytelling capabilities, enhancing the cinematic experience.
Why should listeners prefer Varun Grover’s songs over mainstream Bollywood music?
Grover’s lyrics reward active listening—listening with eyes closed and full attention reveals layers of meaning. His use of metaphorical language creates emotional landscapes that elevate songs beyond entertainment into genuine artistic expression, satisfying intellectually curious music listeners.
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